Exploring Pediatric Secondary Osteoporosis: The Red Flag of Several Systemic Diseases.

This article explores the topic of pediatric secondary osteoporosis, specifically focusing on vertebral fractures (VFs) and the importance of investigating osteoporosis in children with isolated back pain, as it may indicate underlying systemic diseases. The most common causes of secondary osteoporosis in children are endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatologic, oncologic, and renal diseases, medications such as glucocorticoids, and immobility. The diagnosis of childhood osteoporosis relies on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and conventional spine radiographs. The article presents two case studies that highlight the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach involving radiologists, pediatricians, and orthopedics in recognizing and treating underlying systemic diseases. [Extracted from the article]